Ford City Borough regulates land use, construction, development, and property conditions to protect public health and safety, preserve neighborhood character, and support responsible reinvestment. These regulations are administered through the Borough’s Zoning Ordinance, floodplain regulations, and enforcement of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
Many projects require multiple approvals. Zoning approval, floodplain approval, and building permits each serve different purposes and are often all required for the same project. Property owners and contractors are strongly encouraged to contact the Borough early to confirm requirements before work begins.
Zoning Administration
Zoning regulates how land and buildings may be used and developed. The Ford City Borough Zoning Ordinance establishes zoning districts and controls permitted and conditional uses, building placement, height, lot coverage, parking, signs, and site design standards.
A zoning permit is required before any work begins when a project involves erecting, constructing, reconstructing, moving, enlarging, or structurally altering a building or structure; changing the use of land or a building; establishing a new residential, commercial, industrial, or rental use; or installing accessory structures such as garages, sheds, decks, pools, or signs. Zoning permits are also required for projects subject to development plan review, conditional use approval, variances, or other zoning relief.
Zoning review determines whether a proposal is allowed in the zoning district and whether it complies with dimensional and design standards such as setbacks, height limits, lot coverage, parking requirements, and use restrictions. Zoning approval confirms that a project is legally permitted but does not authorize construction by itself.
You can download a zoning application HERE.
When do I need a Zoning permit?
Do I need a permit to…
| Build a new building? Yes, fill out a Zoning Application. Build an addition? Yes, fill out a Zoning Application. Build a porch/deck/patio? Yes, fill out a Zoning Application. Build or place a shed? Yes, fill out a Zoning Application. Erect a pool? Yes, fill out a Zoning Application. Move my business into the Borough? Yes, fill out a Zoning Application. Open a business in my home? Yes, fill out a Zoning Application. Change a home to a business? Yes, fill out a Zoning Application. Open a Short Term Rental (AirBnB, etc.)? Yes, fill out a Zoning Application. | Erect a sign? Yes, fill out a Zoning Application. Demolish an existing structure? Yes, fill out a Zoning Application. Install a curb cut? Yes, fill out a Zoning Application. Do interior renovations? No Zoning Permit required, but check for PA Uniform Construction Code requirements. Install a new roof? No Zoning permit required but check for PA Uniform Construction Code requirements. Replace my siding? No Zoning permit required but check for PA Uniform Construction Code requirements. Pave my driveway? No permit required. Replace a sidewalk? No permit required. |
Floodplain Administration
Certain properties in Ford City Borough are located within identified floodplain areas regulated under the Zoning Ordinance. These regulations are intended to reduce flood risk, protect life and property, and maintain eligibility for flood insurance programs.
Any regulated activity within the floodplain requires floodplain review and approval in addition to zoning approval. This includes new construction, building additions, structural alterations, substantial improvements, repairs to damaged structures, placement of fill, grading or excavation, utility installation, and other land disturbance. Floodplain review may also require determining whether a project constitutes a substantial improvement or substantial damage under applicable standards.
No construction or land disturbance may begin in the floodplain until all required floodplain approvals are issued. Failure to comply with floodplain regulations may result in enforcement action and may affect a property’s ability to obtain or maintain flood insurance. Floodplain requirements can be found in the Ford City Zoning Ordinance above. A floodplain application may be found HERE.
Building Permits and the Uniform Construction Code
Ford City Borough enforces the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC) through its contracted third-party agency, Bureau Veritas. The UCC governs structural integrity, fire protection, accessibility, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
A UCC building permit is generally required for new construction, additions, structural alterations, demolition, changes in occupancy classification, and most electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. Many decks, pools, and accessory structures also require building permits depending on their size, height, and design.
Building permits are reviewed and issued by Bureau Veritas. Zoning approval must be obtained first. Zoning confirms that the use, location, and layout of a project are permitted under Borough regulations. Building code review confirms that the structure is safe and compliant with state construction standards. One permit does not replace the other, and both are commonly required.
The Bureau Veritas Building Application is available HERE. Additional forms, permit checklists, and regulations can be found HERE.
Bureau Veritas Contact Info:
Armstrong Office
204 Butler Road, Suite 3
Kittanning, PA 16201
P: 724.548.1414
F: 724.548.1403
When do you need a UCC Building Permit? (PLEASE NOTE – YOU MAY ALSO NEED A ZONING PERMIT!)
A UCC Building Permit is required if you intend to construct, enlarge, convert, move, demolish or change the occupancy of any residential building or accessory structure regulated by the Uniform Construction Code. This includes:
- Any work on Commercial (Businesses or Industrial) structures & Multi-Family (3 or more) units
- All new construction
- Any addition containing living space
- Attached garages (including those attached by a breezeway)
- Any deck or ramp with a floor over 30” from the ground at any point
- Any roof addition or replacement/repair of framing when attached to the house
- Detached residential accessory structures over 1000 square feet. (some Agricultural buildings may be exempt, call for guidelines and an exemption form)
- Most residential renovations, interior and exterior.
- All in-ground swimming pools or above-ground pools that have more than 24” of water AND are permanent
- Any fence more than 6’ in height or any masonry or retaining wall more than 4’ in height
Although most construction projects require a building permit, the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (PA UCC)
under Sections 403.1, 403.42, and 403.62 provide a number of specific exemptions.
THE FOLLOWING WORK DOES NOT REQUIRE A UCC BUILDING PERMIT (PLEASE NOTE – YOU MAY STILL NEED A ZONING PERMIT!):
- Fully detached accessory buildings to single-family dwellings less than 1,000 square feet.
- Agricultural Buildings. Agricultural buildings are defined under Section 7210.103 of the PA UCC as; “A structure utilized to store farm implements, hay, feed, grain or other agricultural or horticultural products or to house poultry, livestock or other farm animals, a milk house and a structure used to grow mushrooms. The term includes a carriage house owned and used by members of a recognized religious sect for the purposes of housing horses and storing buggies. The term shall not include habitable space or spaces in which agricultural products are processed, treated or packaged and shall not be construed to mean a place of occupancy by the general public.” Horse barns for private use are considered agricultural, horse barns for commercial stables and equestrian training facilities are not considered agricultural.
- Manufactured and industrialized housing (mobile homes and modular homes). The UCC only exempts the work done at the factory. All work performed on-site must be inspected and be code compliant. Therefore, although the housing itself does not need a permit, installation of the housing unit does.
- Installation of tubing, piping, propane gas burning appliances, equipment or fixtures related to liquefied petroleum gas under the Propane and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Act (35 P. S. §§ 1329.1-1329.19).
- Alterations to residential buildings which do not make structural changes or changes to means of egress. Under this subsection, a structural change does not include a minor framing change needed to replace existing windows or doors.
- Ordinary repairs to residential buildings. Roof repairs/replacements do NOT require a permit unless more than 50% of the sheeting needs replaced or a structural change is being made then a permit IS required.
- Installation of aluminum or vinyl siding onto an existing residential or an existing commercial building.
- A recreational cabin if the following conditions are met:
- The cabin is equipped with at least one smoke detector, one fire extinguisher and one carbon monoxide detector in both the kitchen and sleeping quarters.
- The owner of the cabin files one of the following with the Code Enforcement Officer:
- L&I Department form UCC-13 attesting to the fact that the building meets the definition of a recreational cabin.
- A valid proof of insurance for the recreational cabin, written and issued by an insurer authorized to do business in this Commonwealth, stating that the structure meets the definition of a “recreational cabin.”
- Structures which are:
- Erected for the purpose of participation in a fair, flea market, arts and crafts festival or other public celebration.
- Less than 1,600 square feet in size.
- Erected for a period of less than 30 days.
- Not a swimming pool, spa or hot tub.
- Fences that are not over 6 feet in height.
- Retaining walls, which are not over 4 feet in height measured from the lowest level of grade to the top of the wall, unless it is supporting a surcharge.
- Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finishing work.
- Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy which are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons, and are installed entirely above ground.
- Swings and other playground equipment accessory to one- or two-family dwellings.
- Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support of group R-3 as applicable in the “International Building Code,” and Group U occupancies.
- Window replacement without structural change.
- Maintenance of, and simple repairs to; electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems. If you intend to alter, or add to any of these systems, or you are replacing an entire system, contact the Building Code Official.
- Installation of an uncovered deck where the floor of the deck is no more than 30 inches above grade, provided construction of the deck does not alter the means of egress.
Code Enforcement
Code enforcement ensures compliance with property maintenance and nuisance ordinances to maintain safe, clean, and orderly conditions throughout Ford City Borough.
Enforcement is typically complaint-driven but may also occur proactively where conditions pose a risk to public health or safety. When a violation is identified, the Borough’s goal is correction and voluntary compliance. Notices of violation and compliance deadlines are issued when necessary. If violations are not corrected, formal enforcement action may be pursued in accordance with Borough ordinances and Pennsylvania law.
Contact the Borough Code Enforcement Officer at 724-763-3081 x 109 or at codeenforcement@fordcityborough.org.
Important Notice
Beginning work without required zoning approval, floodplain approval, or UCC building permits is a violation of Borough ordinances and state law and may result in stop-work orders, fines, or additional enforcement action. Early coordination with the Borough helps avoid delays, enforcement issues, and unnecessary costs.